Wishing all visitors to my Auto blog a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Early this year, I started this seperate blog just dedicated to Malaysian automotive industry news as well as other developments in the auto industry early this year and am quite happy with the response it has received.
This year was quite eventful for the auto industry with the AP issue dominating the headlines.
Read posts: The AP Issue, AP Issue Still Hot and Policy on AP from MITI.
This year also saw launches fo new car models.Most notable among these was the Perodua Myvi and the Proton Savvy. Each had its own supporters and detractors and generated a lot of debates on which one is better. Read my posts: Myvi Sets the Standard and Myvi Vs Savvy.
And did you know that there were 5 Malaysian car manufacturers and not two. In case you don’t believe me, read this post: Another Malaysian Car.
Hope this new year is an eventful one for the new year.
I hope to see new innovations, beter designs, better safety features and more environmentally friendly cars on Malaysian roads.
Updated: 23 October 2010
Going through old articles which I had printed out and had accumulated over the years, I came across this great one by Paul Si on the Chevrolet Optra.
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Car painted with “Scratch Guard Coat” (From the Nissan Website)
The rumours were true. PROTON Holdings Bhd has appointed Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd. executive director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir as its new managing director. The 43 year old will take over as MD from Jan 1, 2006. Proton also named Datuk Kisai Rahmat, (currently joint chief operating officer) as executive director of its engineering and manufacturing division.
Proton also reported its second consecutive quarterly net loss due to falling sales, rising costs and higher provisions (mostly due to Proton owned Italian motorcycle maker Agusta’s increasing outstanding debts with banks and suppliers).
It lost 154.3 million ringgit (US$40.8 million; euro34.8 million) for the three months ending Sept. 30.
Read more at Paul Tan’s blog.
What is the maximum speed limit in Malaysia?
If you answer 110 KM/Hr on highways, then you are wrong. It is actually (but not officially) 120 KM/Hr.
Actually I had heard of this as a rumour before, but I later confirmed it with a few friends working with the JPJ, the Malaysian Road Transport Department.
It’s an unwritten rule that the maximum speed limit beyond which motorist may be fined in Malaysia is 10 KM/hr more than what is pointed out on the signs. If you don’t believe me, just check the speeding summons, which you have received so far. The fine will be for speeds more than 120 KM/hr on 110 Km/Hr stretches and more than 90 KM/Hr on the 80 KM/hr stretches.
Anyway, the fastest I have ever done on my Proton Wira is 145 KM/Hr and yes I received a summons for it. However, I have heard that some guys have gone as fast as 200KM/Hr on the North South highway. I know for a fact that one of my wife’s relatives did Kuala Lumpur to Johor in almost 2 and half hours on his Ferrari. That’s a distance of 368 km and normally takes 4 hours (with no traffic jams).
Proton’s new model, the Chancellor, will make its debut during the 11th Asean Summit (Dec 12-14, 2005) in Kuala Lumpur for use by the delegates. It will then be launched publicly on Dec 15, 2005.
The car is an executive class sedan and is specifically designed to be a chauffer-driven.
It uses the Perdana V6 engine on the Waja platform with a wheelbase of 2850mm. From the pictures I have seen, it resembles the Proton Waja.
Proton has not released the price of the Chancellor.
If anyone has pictures or any other info about this model, please share it with us.
Just e-mail me: ahoklah@gmail.com
I wrote this long time back but forgot to put it up on the blog. So here is the framework of the National Automotive Policy of Malaysia.
The Objectives:
1. To promote a competitive and viable automotive sector, in particular he national car manufacturers.
2. To become a regional hub for manufacturing, assembly and distribution for automotive vehicles.
3. To enhance value added and local capabilites in the automotive sector.
4. To promote export-oriented Malaysian manufacturers as well as component and parts vendors.
5. To promote competitive and broad-based Bumiputra participation in vehicle manufacturing, distribution and importation as well as in component and parts manufacturing.
OTHERS:
- Reduction in import duties for CBU vehicles. ASEAN countries: from 20% to 15% and Non-ASEAN: From 50% to 30%
- Import duties for CKDs maintained: 0% for vehicles from ASEAN and at 10% on non-ASEAN.
- Reduction in excise duties for passenger cars and 4WDs. The reduction is the highest in passenger cars: 90%-250% to 80%-200%.
- However, Excise duties for MPV/vans to increase.
- Approved Permits (AP) to be phased out in the long term.
This represent a movement in the right direction but maybe a bit too late as other countires like Thailand have already moved way ahead.
However as they say, better late than never.
The new Ford Focus 1.8L Ghia is now available at all 32 Ford dealers in Malaysia since yesterday (18 Oct. 2005).
Said to be the “best compact car in the world”, the 4 door sedan comes in 5 different colours, namely, Panther black, Magnetic silver, Platinum, Sonic blue and Techno silver.
According to their website: “The new Focus shares the same platform as the Volvo S40, but has a very different body silhouette. European in design, and filled with German technology, the new Focus has its own character. It is a refined and dynamic car set to redefine the C-car segment, and is Ford’s comeback to this market.”
Specs: DOHC 1.8 Litre engine with electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS). AS for the suspension, at the front are Macpherson struts, and at the rear, the unique “Control Blade” multi-link suspension. Stabiliser bars are standard for both front and rear. The Focus comes with vented disc brakes in the front, and solid discs at the rear. ABS and EBA are standard.
It is priced at RM119,888 (on-the-road without insurance).
The Approved Permits (AP) issue simply refuses to fade. Malaysian Members of Parliament were jumping mad when the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) released the names of MPs who were recipients of APs. Some of them are now demanding that Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz step down for failing to come clean on the APs controversy. Read the report here..
However, the person who brought up this issue in first place, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the former prime minister and now Proton adviser has this to say: “I am only concerned with the effect of the APs on the market in Malaysia. That was my first complaint.” Read the full report here…
The Suzuki Swift is one of the newest entrants to the Malaysian compact car segment.
I found the history of this car quite interesting. It started out as a concept vehicle, the ‘Concept-S’ which was first unveiled at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. This was soon followed by the Concept-S2, an open-top sports car that was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.
“Suzuki designers and engineers collaborated with European automotive professionals and ordinary motoring enthusiasts in pursuit of Suzuki’s best compact car ever.”
Unlike other Japanese cars, this model was developed with the European market and customers in mind. However, it is now produced in four countries, namely, Japan, Hungary (Magyar Suzuki Corporation), China (Chongqing Changan Suzuki Automobile Co., Ltd.), and India (Maruti Udyog Ltd.) and sold globally.
The Suzuki Swift 1.5VVT was launched in Malaysia on May 16th this year and costs RM79,888 approx.
OTHER INFORMATION
- Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn. Bhd. has been appointed by the Suzuki Motor Corporation as the new automobile importer/distributor for the brand in Malaysia.
- Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn.Bhd. was established by DRB-Hicom Bhd. With a capital investment of RM 5 million (USD1.3 million), 100% invested by DRB-HICOM.
- The Chairman of DRB-HICOM, Mr. Mohd Saleh Sulong is also the Chairman of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn.Bhd.
RELATED POSTS
- http://autolah.blogspot.com/2005/07/suzuki-apv.html
- http://autolah.blogspot.com/2005/05/new-nissan-plant-suzuki-swift.html
Just got this “Policy On Approved Permit (AP) For Motor Vehicle” from the MITI website:
1. Import Licensing through Approved Permit (AP) was introduced in 1970 with the objective of promoting and providing opportunities for bumiputera entrepreneurs in the automotive sector.
2. In 1987, a review was undertaken on the AP policy involving all 269 AP holders:
DECISIONS
* There will be no APs considered to new non franchise companies with immediate effect. Allocation of APs is restricted to new franchise companies only.
* Allocation of APs for 153 companies were withdrawn due to:
- business not in operation;
- no showroom and service facilities;
- misuse of AP, i.e. selling of APs;
- improper management of account i.e. allowing unauthorised parties including non AP holders to manage the account.
* Continue APs allocation to existing 116 companies, comprising:
- 76 Open AP Holders (to import any brand of car from any country); and
- 40 Franchise Holders (to import specific brands and makes from its principal).
* Encourage the existing quota holders to join/form consortia:
- to enhance efficiency; and
- to be more viable in terms of access to financial, after sales service and showroom facilities.
CURRENT POLICY
3. COMPLETELY KNOCKED DOWN (CKD)
* APs for importation of CKD packs by manufacturers, assemblers or contract assemblers are based on requested by the companies.
* Companies must have valid Manufacturing License or Contract Assembly approval.
* Companies that are in direct competition with models produced by national manufacturers are required to export 80 per cent of production. Performance of export must be submitted to MITI on monthly basis.
4. COMPLETELY BUILT-UP UNIT (CBU)
* APs on Passenger Cars are divided into 2 categories:
- non-franchise APs (open APs) for new/used passenger car and multipurpose vehicle (MPV).
- franchise APs for specific makes and models of passenger car and MPV.
* A new franchise company is evaluated based on:
- valid franchise agreement between importer and the principal/manufacturer;
- direct importation of vehicles from the principal/factory overseas;
- the models have not been assembled/ marketed in Malaysia;
- 70 per cent bumiputera equity holding;
- proven financial and management capability; and
- availability of sales/showroom facilities and after sales service.
* Import restriction (parallel import) is granted on brands under exclusive franchise agreement.
5. ADMINISTRATION OF APs
* Allocation of APs
- For new franchise companies, annual allocation of APs is based on the number of distributors and dealers appointed.
- Subsequent annual allocation is based on previous year’s performance of import and sales.
- Company to submit the import and sales performance report by the 10th of every month.
- Documents to be submitted are copies of:
- Form JK69 (AP) – Approved Permit (AP) issued by MITI
- Form K1/K8 – Import declaration issued by Kastam DiRaja Malaysia
- Sales Invoice – Issued by AP Holders to the distributors/buyers
- Certificate of Vehicle Registration (JPJ); and
- Letter of Undertaking – Issued by the financial institution.
- APs will not be allocated if company fails to submit the relevant documents and information.
* Issuance Of APs
- APs will only be issued upon submission of original Bill of Lading.
6. IMPORTS FROM ASEAN
* Effective 1 January 2005 all categories of vehicles imported from ASEAN are subject to import duty of zero to 20 per cent:
- CKD for all vehicles – zero import duty.
- CBU for Passenger Car/MPV/4WD/Van/Bus – 20 per cent import duty.
- CBU for Motorcycle – 20 per cent import duty.
* Importation of new motor vehicles from ASEAN requires APs for the purpose of monitoring and collection of data.
* APs will be issued based on quantity requested by Franchise Holders.
7. IMPORTS FROM NON ASEAN
* Effective 1 January 2005 all categories of vehicles imported from Non ASEAN are subject to import duty of 10 to 50 per cent:
- CKD for Passenger Car/MPV/4WD/Van – 10 per cent import duty.
- CKD for Bus and Lorry – zero import duty.
- CKD for Motorcycle – zero to 10 per cent import duty.
- CBU for Passenger Car/MPV/4WD/Van – 50 per cent import duty.
- CBU for Bus – 30 per cent import duty.
- CBU for Lorry – 35 to 50 per cent import duty.
- C BU for Motorcycle – 40 per cent import duty.
* Current arrangement on import requirements from Non ASEAN will continue.
156 GTA
147With Petrol and Diesel prices showing rising it really makes sense to look for alternatives. If you are living in the Klang Valley, you might look at converting your car to run on natural gas.
This is not a new technology and has been proven in several countries with Argentina and Brazil leading in terms of the number of Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs). At present most of the vehicles using NG in Malaysia are taxis.
Here I will discuss some of the advantages, disadvantages and future potential in Malaysia.
Advantages:
- Natural gas is much cheaper (at 63.5 sen/ litre) than either petrol or diesel.
- It is also much more environment friendly as gas burns more cleaner with less harmful emissions. All public vehicles in New Delhi, India have converted to run on natural gas.
- There is abundant supply and prices are quite stable.
- Govt. incentives. Road tax reduced - 25% for bi-fuel( use either NG and patrol or NG and diesel) and 50% for monofeul NGVs (only NG).
Disadvantages:
- High cost of converting to run on natural gas. At present in Malaysia the conversion kits costs about RM3500.
- Limited refueling stations around the country. At present a few stations are located - in Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Seremban, Johar Baru and Prai.
Looking at long queues of Taxis at KLCC and Kelana Jaya Petronas stations made me realize that it is not really feasible alternative at present.
Future Scope
- Conversion costs will definitely go down as more companies come in with more choices.
- The number of refeuling stations will increase in the future. According to a recent report, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) plans to open 10 new NGV stations this year and 94 by the year 2010.
RELATED LINKS
- Asia Pacific Natural Gas Vehicles Association
- International Association For Natural Gas Vehicles
- Green Car Congress
I am amazed at the number of people who thought that ALL cars would get cheaper after the implementation of AFTA. (for those who didn’t know, AFTA stands for the ASEAN Free Trade Area). They were disappointed when 1st of January, 2005 came and went and car prices didn’t go down (in fact they went up). They were disappointed that they still were not able to afford their dream Mercs, BMW, Hondas and Toyotas.
For those who didn’t know, under the terms of the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Agreement, Malaysia initially agreed to put the tariffs for automotive parts to below the five percent level by 2003. The move was postponed to the year 2005, when the car industry was badly affected by the economic crisis in 1997/98.
However, I am surprised to find that so many people are ignorant of the fact that this applies only to foreign companies having manufacturing plants in ASEAN with local content of at least 40 percent in order to enjoy the preferential import duty. So luxury brands like BMWs, Mercedes Benz, Lexus, Ferrari and Porsche (as well as other makes) manufactured outside the ASEAN region will not be cheaper. Import duties on those cars still remain. Anyway, people who can afford to buy these cars will buy these cars. Even without the taxes, they are still above the RM100K mark. I still can’t afford to buy a car costing over RM80K anyway. How many of you can?
Then some people ask how come new Proton and Perodua cars are not cheaper. I disagree. They are cheaper. The new cars have better quality, extra features (like air bags, ABS) and service has improved. So for almost the same prices we are getting a better overall package.
Some people say that the Government should remove the taxes all together on all cars.
The logic is simple. Cars become cheapr and we can all afford the foreign brand that we have all been dreaming about. Yes!It would mean the end of the Malaysian automobile industry. Who cares about the consequences. Some people couldn’t care less but let us try to answer some questions:
- How many vendors companies have been developed and depend on Proton and Perodua for their survival?
- How many people are employed by these companies?
- Are you aware that the taxes obtained from the import of foreign cars into Malaysia are used for supporting public facilities?
Selling to a foreign car company may mean killing the Proton brand, loss of jobs and of course money moving away to other countries.
Of course there is always the question, “How come Korean cars are so cheap?” Why can’t Proton be like them?
I simply have no good explanation. Proton and Perodua have to find the answers if they are to survive and remain competitive. Maybe I can blame it on dumping – that is, the practice of selling goods in foreign markets at significantly lower prices than either in the home market of in other markets. Many companies do this in order to build up their market share. The Japanese did it in the US. Proton does it too – for example, cars sold in UK are reportedly cheaper than in Malaysia or have better specs.
However, having said that I feel that the Malaysian companies have to find out how the Korean (and now the Chinese) car companies have been able to come up with winning designs and even penetrate the tough US market (which Proton and Perodua hasn’t been able to do so far).
The board of directors of Proton Holdings Bhd group has announced yesterday that it will not renew CEO Tengku Tan Sri Mahaleel Tengku Ariff’s contract. He will retire on Sept. 30 and goes on leave from today.
Mahaleel joined Proton in 1996 and was appointed CEO on April 1, 1997. I guess this announcement was expected as the differences between the CEO and the Board had been well publicized.
Despite the complaints and criticisms against him. it should be noted that, Proton moved from being only an assembler to a full fledged manufacturer of cars during his tenure. He made it into one of the most profitable companies in Malaysia.
Some people may argue that this was due to the fact that it had been supported/ protected by the government but several other companies, which received the same support/ protection were not that successful.
An four member interim executive committee (exco) has been established to assume the responsibility of the group CEO from today, pending the appointment of a new chief executive officer.
The exco comprises of:
-Datuk Mohammed Azlan Hashim (Proton Holdings chairman)
-Badrul Feisal Abdul Rahim (Proton board director)
-Datuk Kisai Rahmat (Proton’s director of operations )
-Datuk Kamarulzaman Darus (CEO of Proton Tanjung Malim Sdn Bhd)
The later two were named as joint chief operating officers (COOs),
Newspaper Reports:
- Star
- NST
Related Posts:
- Tengku Mahaleel in Trouble
The issue of Approved Permit (AP) saga was first raised up by Tun Dr. Mathir Mohamad, former PM of Malaysia and now Proton’s advisor.
On the 18th of July, the Malaysian Government released the list of Approved Permit (AP) Click here ...
Also read:
The Star report
The NST report
I never thought we would see this day. The Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi proves that he is willing to take action.
Today Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz says the “AP Kings” deserved the permits .
Read here
Been too busy to update this blog.
Suzuki Automobiles Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Suzuki vehiles in Malaysia recently launched the Suzuki APV. It is made in Indonesia but I don’t think that customers would be put off by that.
The design is somewhat boxy (like the Proton Juara) but not unattractive.
This eight seater is powered by a 1.6 litre fuel injected, 16 valve engine.
Pricing (on-the-road, without insurance):
* Manual - RM59,888
* Automatic - RM69,888
For more information go to Paul Tan’s blog.
Sometimes you find out that consumers in different countries have different tastes. Relating to cars, the Mitsubishi Town Box was quite popular in Japan but the Proton Juara (based on the Town Box) was a total failure in Malaysia.
Launched in 2003, the Proton Arena two seater pick-up or utility vehicles is Proton’s first entry into the light commercial vehicle market. Criticism upon criticism was heaped upon it when it first came out in Malaysia and sales are still negligible here. “A wira with the back cut off,” my friends used to call it. However, in Australia it is a different story. The Jumbuck as the Arena is known here, has seen sales up 57 percent for the first six months of 2005 compared with the same period last year. According to Proton Cars Australia managing director, John Startari, the Jumbuck “is the foundation stone for the future growth of Proton in Australia…”.
Read Aussie reviews here and here..
BTW, Jumbuck is sheep in Aussie slang.
Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd revealed in a statement on June 29, wednesday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with France’s Peugeot S.A. to assemble a local variant of the 206 model under the Naza brand.
They are not only for the domestic market, but also for export in the growing right-hand drive ASEAN market.
According to the statement, production of the car should start early 2006 at Naza’s plant in Gurun, Kedah.
Cycle and Carriage Automobiles have been appointed to provide the after-sales support.
Currently NAza manufacturesthe Naza Ria and the Naza Citra in its plant in Gurun.
Read the reports in the Edgedaily and in Forbes.
Looks like Proton’s Chief Executive Tengku Tan Sri Mahaleel Tengku Ariff is in trouble after he criticized the government’s auto policy in an interview with the Oriental Daily (Chinese language) newspaper on Tuesday.
However, its hard for me to understand his complaints about the “poor treatment” Proton was receiving from the government. Everyone knows that Proton couldn’t have come this far without the Govt’s support and after all the government owns 42.74% of Proton through Khazanah Nasional Bhd and is its biggest shareholder.
The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has denied rumours that Khazanah Nasional Bhd had asked Proton Holdings Bhd’s board to remove the latter’s chief executive officer. Read the Bernama report.
The company’s board of directors had called an emergency meeting and have given him until the weekend to explain his comments. Read the NST report.
Received this from another friend.
Myvi goes up against Savvy one on one and lets see who wins. The previous one was clearly written by a Perodua supporter so I edited it a bit (neutral mah).
1. Technology Partner: Engines
Myvi: K3 Engine by Toyota
Savvy: Renault engine
* Toyota engines- reliable, easy to maintain, proven for Malaysian market
Renault engines- expensive parts replacement, not proven for Malaysian hot weather
* Perodua 1
2. Technology Partner: Handling
Myvi: Toyota ???
Savvy: Lotus
* Proton 1
3. Engine Capacity/ Horse Power
Myvi: 1.3, 88 horse power
Savvy: 1.2, 74 horse power
*Perodua 1
4. Engine Cams
Myvi: DOHC
Savvy: SOHC
*Perodua 1
5. Fuel Injection
Myvi: EFi
Savvy: Multi point injection
* Proton 1
6. Engine Belt
Myvi: D.V.V.T
Savvy: Timing belt
* D.V.V.T - change every 200,000 km @ 4 years
Timing belt - 100,000 km @ 2 years
Perodua 1
7. Rear lamp
Myvi: LED
Savvy: Standard bulb
* Draw. LED Problems/ Bulbs need to be replaced. Perodua 0, Proton 0
8. Windows
Myvi: 4 power windows
Savvy: Rear windows - manual
* Perodua 1. Though good exercise for Savvy passengers owners, Proton: 0.5
9. Side mirror
Myvi: Electronic adjustment
Savvy: Adjusted manually
* Perodua 1
10. Fuel Economy
Myvi: Fuel - 1 litre = 21 km
Savvy: Fuel - 1 litre = 18 km
* Perodua 1
11. Price
Myvi: RM41,200 - RM51,300
Savvy: RM42,888 - RM42,494
* Proton 1
12. Quality Assurances
Myvi: Toyota??
Savvy: TUV
Perodua 1, Proton 1
Go count the points yourself.
I am truly sad to learn that lack of funds has prevented Malaysian rally driver Karamjit Singh from retaining the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) title. It was reported that he could not understand why he couldn’t secure sponsorhips despite having won the APRC overall title three times in the last four years.
Championship Titles
2001 Asia Pacific Rally Championship for Drivers
2002 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship for Drivers
2002 FIA Production Car World Championship for Drivers
2004 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship for Drivers
I guess it has to do with the fact that rallying is not that popular in Malaysia as compared to say the F1 even the Japan GT races. It’s not glamorous enough.
Sincerely hope that some of the big companies come forward to sponsor this true motoring champion who has made a name for himself in the motoring World. At present he still needs additional sponsorships to enable him to finish competing in the production car category of the World Rally Championships (WRC).
Also known as the ‘Flying Sikh’, Karamjit made his rally debut in 1986 and in the WRC in 1994. He shot to fame following his success in the Malaysian Open and the National Driver’s Championship titles in 1993. He was Malaysian National Rally Champion from 1990 to 1997 and also was Thailand National Rally Champion in 1998.
He formed Asia’s most successful rally team with co-driver Allen Oh. They won the 2002 World Rally Championship production car title and were three time overall winners of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championships. Allen has retired. His present co-driver on the Proton Pert team is John Bennie from Scotland.
This post has been deleted due to certain reasons.
Oriental-Hyundai Sdn Bhd unveiled the special edition Accent RX-S 1.5-litre sedan yesterday. It is a sporty version with side, front and rear skirting and bonnet and an aggressive looking air scoop. Wonder whether the performance would live up to its appearance.
Price: RM69,724 and RM73,504 for the Manual and Automatic versions respectively (On-the-road without insurance).
NOTE:
Oriental-Hyundai Sdn Bhd is a fully owned subsidiary of the Oriental Holdings Bhd. It distributes the Hyundai Accent, Elantra and Sonata models.
Last year I won an sms contest organised by Cars, bikes and trucks’ section of the NST. Actually I didn’t win anything, I just got my sms message printed. My name was not even put there. I had made some suggestions about how Proton cars could be improved. My suggestion was to make air bags and disc brakes standard in all cars. My friends working in Proton kept on making excuses like “it would increase costs”, blah blah blah.
The Perodua Myvi comes as a breath of fresh air and has set a new stadard for all cars sold in Malaysia, both local as well as foreign brands.
Only the top range DOHC 1.3 litre automatic (priced RM51,300 on-the-road with insurance) comes with ABS and twin air bags but it is a start for a car of this range and price.
I found it interesting that local compnent vendors also contributed to the design and development of parts right from the inception stage working with Perodua. This is a strategic move in view of the fact that the car has 80% local content
Perodua’s latest offering comes in direct competition with Proton’s soon to be launched first compact car (Also known as the Tiara replacement model with a 1.2 liter engine). I am eagerly wating to see Proton’s response to the Perodua’s challenge.
Perusahan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) launched its latest model Myvi (the 6th) today. I didn’t read it in any of the newspapers but got the news from Paul Tan’s blog. (This guy is really up-to-date).
According to Perodua’s Managing director, Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, they have received more than 6,000 bookings for Myvi and expect 15,000 more bookings after the launch.
—————-
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd’s new corporate HQ costing RM50mil was officially opened by by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah yesterday.
The headquarters in is located on a 24,000sq m site in the Section 15 industrial area, Persiaran Raja Muda, Shah Alam.
—————-
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is also launching its new multi purpose vehicle (MPV), the 8-seater Innova on the 27th, this Friday. It replaces the Unser which is no longer produced anymore.
According to managing director David Chen, they have already received more than 2000 bookings.
More information is provided on Paul Tan’s blog.
You can also check out their official website.
More Info:
- UMW Holdings Bhd group managing director: Datuk Dr. Abdul Halim Harun,
- UMW Toyota Motor chairman: Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin
- UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman: Yoshimi Ishii
- UMW Toyota Motor managing director: David Chen.
- Toyota Motor Corp senior managing director: Akio Toyoda
- Toyota Motor Corp managing officer (Asia, Oceania and Middle East): Datuk Akira Okabe
The Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow 2006 will be held from May 26 to June 4 at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
I am not sure why KLIMS 2006 and not KLIMS 2005.
Did you know that we have not 2 but 5 Malaysian car manufacturers and the numbers are increasing. I am not joking. Let me list them down for you (in alphabetical order):
1. Bufori Motor Car Company (M) Sdn. Bhd.
2. Esnasports Sdn Bhd
3. Perodua
4. Proton (Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd) (The big daddy)
5. TD Cars (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
According to a Bernama report yesterday, the Naza group is going to join the list as the latest to come out with a Malaysian made car.
Some information about this car (According to group managing director Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin):
- 1.2 litre car
- Launch scheduled in October this year.
- Designs done by 18 Naza engineers, ‘mostly former employees of Proton and Perodua’.
- Secret project has been going on for the past two years (Went under the radar of all auto researchers).
- Total investment : Around half a million ringgit
- Estimated production /YEAR: 60,000 to 70,000 units
Read the full report here.
New 3 Series Models Launched
Auto Bavaria Sdn Bhd has launched the new BMW 3 Series model today. The series comprises of the 320i 92.0-litre 150bhp 4-cylinder Valvetronic engine), 325i (6-cylinder 2.5-litre 218bhp Valvetronic engine)and the 330i (6-cylinder 258bhp Valvetronic engine).
The models available for immediate booking at Auto Bavaria branches nationwide are the 320i with a , the 325i with a and the 330i with a .
This series has been their constant best seller and accounts for very 2 BMW sold in the country.
NOTE:
BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a Joint venture between BMW AG and thr Sime Darby Group (51:49).
Auto Bavaria Sdn Bhd is the authorized delaer of BMW cars in Malaysia. It is a subsidiry of Tractors Malaysia Holdings Bhd, whihc is in turn a unit of the Sime Darby group.
Lamborghini Showroom Launched
ES Evolution Sdn Bhd, the local dealer of Lamborghini in Malaysia has opened its showroom in Kuala Lumpur.
The latest outler is the 67th in Automobil Lamborghini SpA’s international network of dealers.
The models available here are V10 Gallardo, the V12 Murcielago and the Morcielago Roadster (open top). If the government agrees to lower the tariff rates, the cars will sell between RM1.4 million and Rm2 million each. A “house on wheels” as a friend once told me. Actually that’s a lot of low cost houses.0
Some more Info:
Add:
ES Evolution Sdn bhd
No.2 Block B Lot 4900 Jalan SS13/7
Subang Jaya Industrial Estate
47500 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Tel: (603) 5637 1280
Fax: (603) 5634 4782
Suzuki to Assemble Cars in Malaysia
Global Worldtrade Sdn Bhd. may start assembling Suzuki cars in Malaysia.
The cars would be distributed by Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Bhd.
Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd has signed a distributorship and an import agreement for completely built-up (CBU) Suzuki motor vehicles and spare parts.
They will distribute the Suzuki Swift 1.5L, Suzuki APV 1.6GLX and the 1.6GL, Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0L.
Proton Sports Car
Watch out for the Proton sports car. My friend in Proton informs me that it is based on the Lotus Elise and while he was reluctant to reveal the price, I gathered that it will cost somewhere around RM 150K. (1US$=RM3.8)
If it is released as planned, it would become Malaysia’s first sports car and not the Esna Venera.
SOURCES: NST, The Star & personal communication.
In March, I had read in a news report about Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Kedua, or Perodua, launching a new model of the Perodua Kancil car in May this year.
I had also read earlier entries about the the soon-to-be-launched Myvi model in some other blogs. Namely, Gob.log and Wantan Productions and was wondering what the hell Myvi stands for. I got the answer today.
I read Paul Tan’s Journal entry about the Perodua Myvi yesterday. According to him, “My means Malaysia and the VI represents the sixth car that Perodua has come up with”. However, according to the Edge Daily, “Myvi” signifies My Vehicle and My Vision, which also symbolises the Malaysian Vision.
It also reports the prices of the “Myvi” to be between RM41,500 and RM51,500 for the one litre and 1.3 litres variants respectively.
FYI, Perodua is Malaysia’s second national car maker and was established in 1993.
According to their website, the joint venture partners/shareholders of Perodua and their respective shareholding are:
1. UMW Corporation Sdn Bhd (38%),
2. Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. (20%),
3. MBM Resources Berhad (20%),
4. PNB Equity Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd (10%),
5. Mitsui & Co. Ltd (7%) and
6. Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (5%).
However, I read elsewhere that MBM Resources Bhd., which is the largest dealer of Perodua, is also the 2nd largest single shareholder in Perodua with a 23.6% stake.
The title is a bit misleading. Proton is not the 2nd best selling brand in UK.
The Dealer Attitude Survey, undertaken by the National Franchised Dealers Association placed Proton 2nd after Lexus on the helpfulness of parts staff and 2nd best (alongside Toyota) in terms of technical support hotline.
Proton dealers were clearly very happy with the company and it reveals a synergy between the manufacturer and the dealers.
Links:
1. Car Pages
2. The Star report
Have been neglecting this blog for quite sometime now. Well here are the latest updates:
1. Proton Holdings Bhd:
Proton chief executive officer Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff revealed in an interview that the company and its Chinese partner may start production in China this year if everything goes as planned. Read the whole story in the Star here.
2. HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd:
Yasuhide Mizuno (41) is now the company’s 3rd managing director and chief executive officer. He was peviously general manager of Honda Taiwan Co Ltd.
Kenji Tanaka was appointed as new vice-president of Honda Malaysia’s manufacturing plant.
There is a Auto fair coming up.
It is organised by Purnama Jelita (???)and will be held at the Main Concourse, Kompleks Bukit Jambul, Jalan Rumbia, Penang from 25th to 27th of March.
Participants include Duaria Motors Sdn Bhd (Kia), Ford Concessionaires Sdn Bhd (Ford), Proton Edar Sdn Bhd (Proton), Scott and English (M) Sdn Bhd (Tata) and Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (Nissan).
I was unable to watch the Malaysian Grand Prix this Sunday at Sepang but was able to catch some bits of the race on TV. It was quite funny, but even my mother-in-law is talkign about the F1 race. It seems that there are a lot more F1 fans in Malaysia as compared to a few years ago when almost everyone thought that building the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) was a waste of public money.
Anyway, coming back to the race, it was Renault’s second consecutive F1 victory with Fernando Alonso dominating the 56-lap Malaysian Grand Prix right from the start at Pole Position. With this win, Alonso moves to the top of the championship standings.
Toyota had their first ever podium position, with the Italian Jarno Trulli crossing the finish line 25 secs behind Alonso.
Christian Klien claimed the final point.
Here are the final race results:
1. Fernando Alonso Renault
2. Jarno Trulli Toyota
3. Nick Heidfeld Williams-BMW
4. Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes
5. Ralf Schumacher Toyota
6. David Coulthard Red Bull Racing
7. Michael Schumacher Ferrari
8. Christian Klien Red Bull Racing
In the championship, Renault leads with 26 points. Toyota is now in 2nd place with 12 points. Red Bull’s is 3rd while Ferrari is 4th with 10 points along with BMW Williams and McLaren.
India’s first Formula One racing driver Narain Karthikeyan was able to complete the race, coming in at 11th place. Not bad for a rookie driver.
NOTE: 13 days to the F1 race in Bahrain.
My brother-in-law was able to watch the race live at Sepang. I will try to get some pics from him and put it up here.
Got this picture from the NST website.
According to a recent news report, Germany’s Volkswagen and Proton are to begin assembly of an Asian version of the VW Passat at Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant.
Naza Kia Sdn Bhd launched the new Kia Sportage at Putrajaya on the 4th of this month.
Priced at RM 121 888.00 (on the road including insurance), they call the Sportage “Part car, Part SUV, Part MPV”. That’s marketing I guess.
The MPV comes in 10 colours - beat that Proton.
I was a bit confused about Hyundai operations in Malaysia. However, reading this article in the Star cleared up a lot of things. I also did a bit of research on my own.
Hyundai-Berjaya Corp Bhd (HBJCorp) owns Hyundai-Berjaya Sdn Bhd (HBSB), Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd (the manufacturing arm), and franchisee Hyumal Motors Sdn Bhd. SIME Darby Bhd has 51% stakes in the publicly listed HBJCorp.
Hyundai-Berjaya Sdn. Bhd., with majority share owned by Berjaya Group Berhad, was incorporated on August 3, 1991.
Hyumal Motor Sdn. Bhd. is the importer CBU Hyundai vehicles distributed by Hyundai-Berjaya Sdn. Bhd. It was incorporated on October 16, 1990, with Bumiputras as the majority shareholder and Berjaya Group Berhad with a minority stake.
Hyumal Motor Sdn. Bhd. in collaboration with Oriental Holdings Berhad, has formaed Oriental-Hyudai Sdn. Bhd, in March 2001 to carry out CKD operations and distribution. The current range of CKD models available in Malaysia are the Elantra 1.8 and the Sonata 2.0. Kah Bintang Auto Sdn Bhd. is the main dealer for Hyundai cars distributed by Oriental Hyundai.
I am sure you are thouroughly confused by the web by now. BTW, Datuk Ben Yeoh is the CEO of Hyundai Malaysia.
In South Korea, Hyundai owns the Kia brand. The funny thing is that Kia’s range of vehicles is distributed in Malaysia by another company, Naza Kia Sdn Bhd (NKSB) (formerly known as Earning Link Sdn Bhd). It is a member of the Naza Group of Companies (Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd, which is led by Y. Bhg Tan Sri Dato’ Seri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin.
Proton now has a new chairman. Datuk Mohd Azlan Hashim succeeded Datuk Abu Hassan Kendut. Datuk Mohd Azlan Hashim is the former head of Bursa Malaysia.
Read the full news in the Star, and in the NST.
It was also reported that Proton might start a joint venture to assemble cars in China this year and the company is expected to unveil a 1.3-litre Tiara replacement model in March, and the 1.6-litre Satria Replacement model by July this year.
It has been a half decade since the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf launched the major manufacturer plug-in car market and as other ve...
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